Last week, we focused on expressing gratitude for items and experiences that start with the letter M. Today, we invite you to share something you are thankful for that begins with the letter N. Your contributions can foster a spirit of appreciation and reflection.
I'm thankful for Nene Geese. What are you thankful for that starts with the letter N?
🦆 Meet the Nēnē Goose: Hawaiʻi’s Honking Hero
With soft feathers, strong feet, and a name that sounds like a lullaby, the nēnē (pronounced "nay-nay") isn’t just a goose, it’s a feathered symbol of survival, sunshine, and island spirit. Let’s flap into some fascinating facts about this unique bird!
🌴 1. It’s Hawaiʻi’s Official State Bird
The nēnē was crowned Hawaiʻi’s state bird in 1957. It's the only goose found naturally in the wild in Hawaiʻi, and it doesn't live anywhere else on Earth!
🪂 2. It’s a Distant Cousin of the Canada Goose
Scientists believe the nēnē evolved from Canada geese that arrived in Hawaiʻi thousands of years ago. Over time, they adapted to island life and became smaller, gentler, and better at walking on lava rock.
🦶 3. Nēnē Geese Have Special Feet
Forget wetland waddling, these geese have partially webbed feet, making them great for hiking across rough terrain. They're built for lava fields, grassy slopes, and dry shrublands, not ponds!
🐣 4. They’re Super Loyal Parents
Nēnē pairs usually mate for life and work together to raise their fluffy goslings. The mom lays up to five eggs, and both parents protect the nest fiercely. Goose teamwork at its finest!
🎖️ 5. Nēnē Geese Have Helped Honor Veterans
In Hawaiʻi, nēnē geese sometimes appear in memorial artwork and educational programs to symbolize resilience, peace, and protection. Their survival story echoes themes of bravery and remembrance.
🛡️ 6. They Nearly Went Extinct, but Made a Comeback
By the 1950s, fewer than 30 nēnē geese were left in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, including breeding programs and habitat protection, today there are over 2,500 nēnē living on multiple Hawaiian islands.
🪻 7. The Name Comes from Their Call
“Nēnē” is based on their soft, gentle honk-like call, which sounds kind of like a cooing whisper. It’s one of the sweetest-sounding honks in the bird world!
🌞 8. They Don’t Migrate Like Other Geese
While most geese fly long distances, the nēnē is a homebody. It stays on the islands year-round, enjoying mild weather and island snacks like berries and grasses.
💚 Bonus Fluffy Facts!
- Nēnē geese often sunbathe on rocks to warm up, just like tourists!
- Their downy babies are called goslings, and they can walk soon after hatching.
- You’ll find nēnē geese on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, and in conservation zones near volcanoes, forests, and coastlines.
Expressing gratitude has numerous benefits for individual well-being. Research indicates that recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life can enhance mental health and overall happiness. This practice not only boosts one's own mood but also fosters positive feelings in others. Therefore, it is important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in daily life.
Next week, we will focus on celebrating items and concepts that begin with the letter O. This will be an opportunity to explore and express gratitude for a variety of topics, ranging from cozy comforts to intriguing curiosities. Join us as we appreciate and highlight the diverse range of positive associations linked to this distinctive letter.
Get your worksheet here:
🪿 N Is for Nēnē: “Nēnē Nest of Thanks”
Kids will learn about Hawaii’s official state bird, the gentle and rare Nēnē Goose, by creating a cozy “nest” filled with things they’re thankful for in nature.
🖍️ What You’ll Need:
- A printable Nēnē outline or blank drawing sheet
- Brown, tan, and green tissue paper or yarn for a nest
- Crayons, markers, and glue
- Leaf-shaped cutouts or egg shapes to write gratitude messages
- Optional: map of Hawaii, fact sheet about the Nēnē
🪺 Activity Instructions:
Meet the Nēnē:
Share fun facts about the Nēnē, like:- It’s only found in Hawaii 🌴
- It’s an endangered goose known for its gentle nature
- Its name comes from the soft “nay-nay” sound it makes!
Build the Nest of Thanks:
Create a nest using yarn, tissue, or drawn textures. Inside the nest, place leaf or egg shapes with messages like:- “I’m thankful for clean parks.”
- “I’m grateful for birds that sing at sunrise.”
- “I want to help animals by recycling!”
Add the Nēnē Goose:
Color and cut out the goose, then perch it in the middle of the gratitude nest.Display Title Ideas:
- “Nature Needs Our Thanks!”
- “Nestled in Gratitude with the Nēnē”
🌺 Bonus Ideas:
- Talk about ways to help endangered animals—protect habitats, reduce litter, and share awareness.
- Sing a soft “Nēnē lullaby” with goose honks and nature sounds!
- Host a mini "Island Explorer Day" to highlight Hawaii’s natural wonders.
Books about Hawaii:
1. The Mystery in Hawaii: The 50th State by Carole Marsh
2. Hawaii's Animals and Wildlife by H. Douglas Pratt
3. My First Hawaiian 200 Picture Word Book by Gerard Aflague
4. Fascinating Facts About Hawaii by Jim Loomis
Parents, ensure that the books you choose to read to your child or children are suitable for their age and interests.
Return to the Alphabet Hub!
No comments:
Post a Comment